PAPENBURG, GERMANY (August 26, 2009) – Today, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream, the first of two newly-designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world.

“Since our inception, families have come to know and love Disney Cruise Line, and they are looking for additional ways to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz said during the ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. “Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the East and West coasts of the United States while also giving us the flexibility to explore additional global destinations for our Guests.”

The keel laying ceremony is the first time the Disney Dream will begin to take shape after many years of design work. In the maritime industry, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block – or section – of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.

According to the Associated Press, ESPN will be using seven 3D cameras developed by Vince Pace and James Cameron to broadcast the September 12 game between USC and Ohio State in 3D. While the game will be simulcast on ESPN/ESPNHD, the 3D version will be beamed to three theaters located in Los Angeles, Dallas and Columbus with free tickets to be distributed via the local ESPN radio affiliate.

This is the third 3D broadcast of a football game in the US, but the first for ESPN.

BURBANK, Calif., August 24, 2009 – Jayne Parker has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), it was announced today by Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. Ms. Parker will report to Mr. Iger and be responsible for areas that include leading Disney’s overall human resources strategy including global talent attraction, staffing and retention, leadership development, diversity, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits and employee relations. The heads of human resources in Disney’s business units will report to Ms. Parker as well as to the leaders of their respective business units.

“Jayne demonstrated clear leadership and innovation while overseeing human resources, diversity and inclusion for Disney Parks and Resorts’ nearly 100,000 employees worldwide,” said. Mr. Iger. “I’m delighted that she will now apply her results-oriented practices to our entire organization in order to attract, motivate and retain experienced, knowledgeable and creative employees.”

“Disney is successful because of its people – their commitment, their creativity and their passion. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Parks and Resorts division and am honored to now work on behalf of all Disney cast members and employees to continue to attract diverse talent and develop future leaders for all of our businesses,” said Ms. Parker.

Donny Osmond — singer, entertainer, longtime Disney collaborator and Season Nine cast member of the ABC hit show, “Dancing with the Stars” — will join the all-star lineup at “The ABCs of Disney,” a special presentation at the D23 EXPO, September 10, at 3:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center arena.

In a first for “Dancing with the Stars” fans, Osmond will be joined by his professional ballroom partner, Kym Johnson, and preview his dance abilities for D23 EXPO goers long before his televised premiere on September 21 on the ABC Television Network.

BURBANK, Calif. — Teen wizards in training are creating magic and mayhem on Waverly Place. Wizards of Waverly Place the video game for Nintendo DS™, inspired by the popular Disney Channel television series, is available now at all major retailers.The video gameallows fans to experience familiar faces and places in the world of wizards with five fun and new adventures. Mysterious mishaps start when Alex Russo buys a bracelet off the World Wide Wizard Web to impress a boy. True to Alex’s style, her plan goes awry and her brothers Justin and Max join in on the fun. Alex’s best friend Harper, along with Theresa and Jerry Russo are also featured in the game, taking part in adventures on Waverly Place.

In “Phineas and Ferb’s Quantum Boogaloo,” Phineas and Ferb travel to the future to find a tool that hasn’t been invented yet, and run into future Candace. Seeing an opportunity to finally bust her brothers, she follows them back through time to catch them building their rollercoaster, and exposes their antics to her mom. In the process, she accidentally foils Agent P’s defeat of Dr. Doofenshmirtz, starting a chain reaction that turns the future into a dystopian society.

Hannah Montana actor and Disney recording artist Mitchel Musso will be making appearances where he will meet & greet with his fans and sign his self-titled CD.

On September 3, Mitchel will be appearing at Studio Disney 365 in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort from 1-2 pm. Only one item per guest may be signed and the item must be purchased at the event, so no personal items will be allowed. Photography will be allowed, but no posing is allowed with Mitchel. Guests are asked to queue up no earlier than 6 am.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – August 24, 2009 – For four incredible days beginning September 10, fans of Disney entertainment will revel in new discoveries, special panels and presentations, movie screenings, celebrity appearances and autograph signings, plus new insights into movies, TV shows, theme parks, animation, Disney history and more. It’s all part of the first-ever D23 EXPO from Sept. 10-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Exciting details about the activities and events planned for the four days of Disney’s inaugural D23 EXPO have just been announced, and a complete, up-to-the-minute schedule can be found online at www.D23Expo.com. The D23 EXPO is open to the public. Tickets for individual days or the full four days of this Ultimate Disney Fan Event are available at the website. Highlights of the D23 EXPO include:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 24 — Looking to plan an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation? Stars Joey Fatone of “Dancing with the Stars,” Lisa Whelchel from “The Facts of Life” and Alfonso Ribeiro of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” have teamed up with the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to share vacation planning tips in helpful, funny and practical “How-to” videos available at www.disneyworldmoms.com — home of the Moms Panel. From keeping up with their own little princesses to sharing personal in-park memories, these family-focused celebrities step in front of the camera to offer guests their favorite Disney tips.